Research & Development
Four Ardmore firms have significant stakes in research and development, in the areas of plant science, molecular biology, medical devices and night vision imagers. Together, over 275 people in Ardmore have direct involvement in R&D efforts for these centers.
| Research & Development Centers in Ardmore, Oklahoma | ||||
| Name of center | Status | Specialty | Annual funding |
Employees R&D/total |
| The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation | Non-profit | Plant biology | $30 mil | 258/ 308 |
|
Imtec, a 3M Company |
Corporation | Medical devices | $750,000 | 6/ 175 |
| Imtec Imaging, LLC | Corporation | High quality imaging | 6/ 21 | |
| Amethyst Research, Inc. | Corporation | Next generation infrared "night vision" imagers |
|
2/ 5 |
| Source: Reports from individual companies, updated June, 2009 | ||||
New
Biotechnology Incubator fosters Research & Development
In 2005, The Ardmore Development Authority, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation and the Southern Oklahoma Technology Center (SOTC) formed a partnership to create a business incubator facility, the Ardmore Technology Transfer Center, to recruit and retain technology oriented companies to Ardmore. Business incubators are facilities designed to accelerate the development and success of start-up and existing businesses.
The advantages to a tenant locating in the incubator include more affordable lease space and access to an array of on-site managerial, administrative and financial services that assist the companies in overcoming challenges faced in the market place. In addition, tenants are exempt from state tax liability on income earned on activities conducted at the incubator for up to ten years. The exemption is valid after the company moves out of the incubator.
The ADA, with the help of the Noble Foundation, has established Ardmore as part of the Oklahoma Biotechnology Corridor which includes Stillwater, the Greater Oklahoma City Area and Ardmore. The potential for professional collaborations with the Noble Foundation also serves as an attraction to prospective companies.
The Technology Transfer Center has received accreditation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and two companies, IMTEC Imaging LLC and Amethyst Research, Inc., are currently located in the incubator. The long-term objective of this project is to create a technology park in Ardmore focused on commercial ventures based on scientific research.